National City mayor's wife seeks separation

The wife of National City Mayor Ron Morrison has filed for legal separation, alleging her husband of nearly 35 years has a “history of domestic abuse.”
Morrison was served with court papers before the start of a City Council meeting Tuesday night. When reached for comment yesterday, Ron Morrison vehemently denied any history of violence.

“None whatsoever,” Ron Morrison said. “I think that was a legal tactic so I would get short notice on it. There’s never been any police incidents, no hospitalization. It’s nonsense.”

Citing irreconcilable differences, Sherry Morrison filed for separation Oct. 28 and asked for an expedited hearing. Ron Morrison has 30 days to respond to the summons.

According to documents filed in San Diego Superior Court, Sherry Morrison feared her husband, when learning about the action, “would retaliate against her with verbal and emotional abuse, which occasionally results in physical violence.”

A search of San Diego County court records shows no evidence of domestic violence cases involving the Morrisons.

The couple has lived in National City for 34 years.

Ron Morrison said there have been no 911 calls or officers called to their home during their marriage, except once when their home was broken into. National City police referred a request for records of 911 calls to the city attorney, Ron Morrison said he has no desire to end the marriage and that he is trying to work it out.

“It’s been especially difficult since we lost our son,” he said, referring to the suicide of his 23-year-old son in 2006. “It’s taken its toll. I buried myself in my work. That probably hasn’t helped a lot.”

Sherry Morrison is seeking $10,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs, and $4,000 in monthly spousal support.

The couple have two other daughters, one of whom is developmentally disabled and dependent upon them for support.

Sherry Morrison stated in court records that she has not worked since 2002 when she left her job because of a “serious physical condition.”